School leaders are urged to become ‘architects of the future’

Christian headteachers have a ‘significant role’ to play in defusing tension and shaping the future - with a multi-faith approach to education.

That was the message from Steve Chalke to the National Christian Headteachers’ Conference Walking the Waves: Heading For Excellence In School Leadership – which is hosted by CARE for Education with other leading Christian agencies.

"If some disaster kicks off the tension, then the Government is likely to come up with legislation that bans any religious input into schools," warned Steve. "The only way out of this is to say that we will become the architects of our future."

As founder of the charity Oasis, he has already started practising what he preaches. Steve’s team plan to set up three ‘city academies’ on Christian foundations – with an emphasis on cross-cultural, inclusive education.

"That’s what education should be about – wholeness," he told the conference, which drew nearly 50 delegates to the Britannia Hotel, Coventry. "Shalom in the Old Testament is about well-being at every level in your life - because you are connected with God," said Steve. "The job of education is to create people who are fit for life … by nurturing body, mind and soul."

Hampshire headteacher Ken Shorey felt that this particular conference was the best ever. "Steve Chalke was first class," he said. "It was really quite challenging to hear about the impact of a Christian perspective on secondary education."

The National Christian Headteachers’ Conference is supported by The Independent Schools Christian Alliance, The Stapleford Centre, CARE for Education and the Association of Christian Teachers.

In another recent analysis, CARE for Education Head Mike Simmonds has pinpointed other ‘golden opportunities’ that lie ahead for Christian teachers and local churches - as the winds of change blow through Britain’s school system.

For instance, the Government’s new strategy for the primary sector encourages schools to shape their own curriculum. "Here is just one of those opportunities," said Mike, "to embrace a holistic approach that develops children for life."

Mike has been examining key party policies that will affect everyone in schools. His findings are published in a new edition of Education Update – the termly magazine that offers the latest news and views on CARE’s work in this area.

"The range of issues, policies and likely changes in the future make it probable that some teachers will still be leaving the profession," warned Mike. But those with a "deep sense of vocation" will stay the course.

"It is surely the responsibility of the Church to provide pastoral and practical support – to enable these frontline missionaries in the classroom to fulfil God’s call upon their lives."

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